The Jonathan Ross Show to end after next series

'The Jonathan Ross Show' will end after its next series and though ITV has reassured fans it will return at the end of 2017, sources predict its host has quit for good

'The Jonathan Ross Show' will end after its next series.

The talk show, which is set to return later this year to ITV, will take a hiatus along with its 55-year-old host after the TV star decided to extend his trip to the USA next year.

A spokesperson told The Mirror newspaper: "Jonathan is extending his hiatus into the early part of next year to travel to the US. The chat show will return in the autumn of 2017."

Despite their reassurances, sources have claimed the series is on its last legs and Jonathan won't be coming back, since viewer figures dwindled to as low as 1.8million compared to its BBC rival 'The Graham Norton' show which has peaked before at four million.

A source said: "Ross is taking a break, which could run and run. The show's been axed by stealth."

What's more, Jonathan's contract with the broadcaster is set to run out at the end of 2016, however it has been renewed many times before and the household name has always returned.

Kevin Lygo - a friend of the star who was recently appointed head of studions at ITV - is also convinced the 55-year-old funnyman won't be gone for good.

He said: "Jonathan is very important to ITV and we look forward to working with him again next year."

But the presenter - who commanded a modest £1.5million a series - admitted previously he is under no false illusion he is safe at ITV.

He said: "Maybe I'm not safe. Being friends means he can be more honest with me than anyone else, so who knows?"